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Book Review of Deerskin

Deerskin
Deerskin
Author: Robin McKinley
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
reviewed on + 168 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


My most favorite book by McKinley. I normally do not read books that contain rape, most especially rape via a family member. However, as I love and adore McKinley, I knew I had to read ALL her books - even this one. I put it off for awhile, but finally decided to just plunge in, thinking I could always stop or skip certain scenes.

I am SO glad that I finally read this! I couldn't stop, and didn't skip any scenes. I read this in under 24 hours. The subject was handled so well, so consciously, so thoughtfully that, though it inspired horror, rage, anger, it also led to other discoveries, thoughts feelings.
I definitely cried at many moments in this book, especially the ending, which I adored and liked that it wasn't a clean, easy, simple ending. I loved the heroine - in all her changes and transformations.

5 stars. This is a book I will be reading and re-reading several times as there are many lessons, thoughts, truths, etc., to be gleaned from it. If some readers are put off by the subject matter as I was - don't be. This isn't a book about rape (though there is rape in it). This is a book about strength, courage, love, independence, Truth, honor, discovery, ownership (of self). It's a book about believing that there could be something else to be had from the world other than ordinary things. Something extraordinary. Something magical.